Welcome to your annual CALHN Health Museum dental check up
Dentistry was first introduced to South Australia in 1840, with the availability of regular dental services. These services included extractions and the supply of artificial teeth. Before then, extractions were done by blacksmiths and enthusiastic amateurs, relying on “speed, brawn, and a firmly held patient”.
The state’s first dental surgeon was Robert Norman, who was also the first dental teacher (and who established the town Normanville). In 1846, Norman placed an advertisement in The Register paper seeking a “gentlemanly youth” to apprentice for a period of 3 to 5 years”. The individual who responded to this call became the state’s first dental student.
Extraction Tools 1886
The extraction of teeth is the simplest and most common dental intervention. Evidence of this dates back to prehistoric times with human skulls showing evidence of active tooth removal.
During the early 19th century dental tools were scarce so dentists would often adapt tools from watchmakers, jewellers and even barbers, that could be used in dentistry. The tools on display feature handles made from ivory. The ivory used would often come from elephant, walrus, whales and hippopotamus.
Cuspidor Ca 1890
Commonly called a spittoon or spit bowl, this cuspidor is made from hand-blown “pigeon blood” red glass and was used by patients to spit out waste from their mouths. A spittoon is typically used for spitting, especially by those who chew or dip tobacco. The term “cuspidor” comes from the Portuguese word for “spitter” and can also refer to a special sink used in dental offices for spitting.
The “blood and vulcanite” era of dentistry lasted until the end of World War II. The 1950s and 1960s, saw the development of dentistry as a profession. Student enrolment considerably increased, and dentistry was seen as a desirable career by parents for their children. This period, known as the “drill and fill” era, focused on filling and preserving teeth rather than extracting them.
Dental Technician Equipment Chest Ca 1930 – 196
This chest contains material and equipment used by a dental technician. The size of the chest indicates it would have been a traveling dental kit. Mobile dentistry was becoming popular in the 1920s as it provided access to dentists to those who would otherwise not have access to such a resource due to location and/or financial means.
A prime example of this is the School Dental Service which has been in operated by the Public Health Department of SA from 1922. This is a humble start to a concept which would flourish in future decades.
Dental Student’s Conservation Kit Ca 1940
Known by the abbreviation “cons kit”, each dental student would purchase a new or second-hand kit at the beginning of their training. Each student then provided their own equipment for their procedures in the Dental School Clinic.
Other welcome changes included the advent of effective local anaesthetic and progression of public dental programs for school children. The broader public was also beginning understanding the true importance of healthy teeth. This new approach to dentistry made patients feel more positive about visiting the dentist.
Dental Head Mirror Ca 1950s
A dental head mirror is comprised of a concave mirror with a small hole in the centre, attached to a headband. The mirror is flipped facing outwards over the user’s eye of choice, reflecting light and allowing the desired area to be illuminated without obstructing the view with a light source.
Contrary to common depictions in film and media, where the head mirror is shown to be flipped up on the user’s head, the mirror is instead positioned to aid in precise illumination during dental procedures.
Dental Health Education Lectures Kit Ca 1976
Produced by the Dental Health Education Centre, this take-home kit provided the essentials needed for a dental student to familiarise themselves with the functions and operations of a dental clinic in the comfort of their home.
Items included are:
- Leaflets;
- Plaque disclosing solution with mirror and light;
- Handpieces and demonstration extracted teeth; and
- Several discs for General Electric Picture sound player.
Today, dentistry is a multidisciplinary science that continues to evolve with advancements in technology, practices and patient comfort, making dental care more effective and accessible than ever before.
Thank you for coming in for your check up and remember to floss!
Written by Anna Grigoriev, CALHN Health Museum